Tag Archives: candy

Yes every child, young and old’s delight! Gränna, Sweden is the place. Thanks to the young widow Amalia Eriksson, and her home business of funeral confections. She later expanded the business by applying for a permit to operate a bakery and candy business.

Gränna is a very small town of about 2,500, on the shore of Lake Vättern, with the island of Visingsö just out from it. There is a lot of history of the area, but what has put it on the map is the Polkagris. The polkagris was made, and named by Amalia. It was named Polka, after the popular European dance. Gris is translated as pig, and is what candy was called in that day.

Downtown Gränna, Sweden - Photo by Daren R. Couch

It is very similar to the candy cane, but better, in my estimation. The original form was thick candy sticks, which were called “bars”. They are flavored with peppermint, and have the familiar thick and thin red stripe.

Welcome to the Polkagris - Photo by Daren R. Couch

There are 4 or 5 shops in Gränna that you can see the candy being made, and the shelves are well stocked with many variations of color, flavor, size, and shape. But everyone reminds you that the red and white stick is traditional. All of these shops are on the same side of the street. So, if you missed part of the process of candy making in one of them, you can see it in the next.

Another Great Polkagris Shop - Photo by Daren R. Couch

Garden in Granna - Photo by Daren R. Couch

The cobblestone streets, gardens, and charming buildings are just part of the appeal of the town of Gränna. If you look past the buildings down any of the alleys or small streets you will see the beautiful Lake Vättern, which is the second largest in Sweden. Also, filling that landscape is the island of Visingsö. Oh, and look to the right, at the top of Gränna mountain, you will see the ruins of a medieval summer castle.

House on Lake Vättern - Photo by Daren R. Couch

House and Castle Ruins - Photo by Daren R. Couch

This post would not be complete without the opportunity to see a video of the Polkagris being made. Just click.Making Polkagris
Globe Trottin Granny